Storytelling Workshop Master Class

A powerful story has the potential to connect us to our own experiences, pull a community together, and engage new audiences with our work. In this master-class storytelling workshop, sponsored by the Committee on Public Awareness (COPA) and led by two-time Moth GrandSLAM winner (and former Moth director of education) Micaela Blei, you’ll learn:

• What makes a story work,
• The connections among narrative performance, research, and teaching, and
• How to brainstorm and craft stories of your own.

The workshop is aimed at budding storytellers as well as seasoned bards looking to refresh their skills. It is structured to make the online experience as welcoming and engaging as possible, using a webinar format followed by an optional small-group discussion structure so that you can take part in the workshop at the level that will best serve you.

After completing this workshop, budding storytellers and bards then will have the opportunity to submit their story for possible performance in a special virtual storytelling event during American Archives Month—“A Finding Aid to My Soul”—on October 6, 2021! If selected, you’ll receive additional guidance from Dr. Blei to help fine-tune your story. Stay tuned for more details (and watch last year’s event).

But first, register here for the Storytelling Workshop Master Class! 

Here’s what last year’s attendees liked about the workshop:

• “Everything! Loved the presentation and the presenter's style of presenting, loved the sharing of stories with the other participants. Loved the connection to other archivist/storytellers. Came away inspired to practice better storytelling in the archives!”
• “Facilitator did an excellent job of implementing interactive activities in a digital environment.”
• “I liked the hands-on chance to practice some of the skills we might use in the future.”
• “I loved that it was so hands-on. I’m usually somebody who likes to listen and look, so the breakout sessions were new to me. It was surprisingly fun.”

Date: August 2, 2021
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CDT
Fee: $49